December 20, 2005, The
Atlanta Human Relations Commission, that was created to handle
complaints based on a city ordinance banning discrimination in private
employment, housing or public accommodations on the basis of a variety
of categories, including sexual orientation ruled against the evidence.
Benisch a gay pilot with Atlantic
Southeast Airlines reported that during his five-year employment as an
ASA pilot, he was subjected to a hostile anti-gay environment, which
culminated when his flight training records were altered. He left the
airline in 2004.

The Atlanta Human
Relations Commission ruling indicated “ASA did not violate the city of
Atlanta’s anti-discrimination ordinance.” The commission, in a finding
ruled that Benisch did not establish that ASA created or maintained a
pervasive atmosphere of anti-gay sentiment that motivated discriminatory
treatment nor did Benisch face an anti-gay work environment at an
Atlanta-based airline. The commission also ruled on a second gay pilot,
Zeke Losch who also flew for Atlantic Southeast Airlines who alleged he
was as well subjected to sexual discrimination in the work place, the
commission again ruled in favor of Atlantic Southeast Airlines.

Losch, claimed that in
October 2000, he heard anti-gay jokes made during his ASA training that
only escalated during his time with the airline. He also alleged that a
sign, which implied he would do sexual favors for money, was placed on
him as he slept in a pilot’s lounge.

The commission's report
indicated Atlantic Southeast Airlines had deficiencies in their
anti-discrimination policy and recommended ASA implement a “meaningful
diversity training program.” The commission also said the airline did a
poor job of investigating complaints based on sexual orientation.